Professor

SHIMONO Kuriko

Associate Professor

MOHRI Ikuko

Associate Professor

TACHIBANA Masaya

Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to developmental disorders by adversely affecting children during a critical developmental period, including the fetal and neonatal periods. Although this developmental period is particularly affected by environmental factors, exposure to media and short sleep times can also disrupt developmental trajectories, even if they are not the primary causes of developmental disorders. Overall, children with sleep problems frequently exhibit hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. However, on average, Japanese children sleep less, and with a later phase, compared with children in other countries. These observations suggest that shortened sleep times may contribute to the current rise in the incidence of developmental disorders in Japan. Our organization has several unique characteristics. First, we have highly specialized clinics for studying both developmental and sleep disorders. Second, we have conducted many electrophysiological and neuroimaging clinical studies in our patient population. Third, we conduct clinical research in close cooperation with clinicians in other pediatric subspecialties, including neonatology, which is a field that has become a recent focus of much research attention. Fourth, we have several research departments that focus on supporting children in community settings. In addition, we have made several important research contributions in the field of neuroinflammation, which is one of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying many developmental disorders. Finally, we have participated in the Center for Innovation (COI), which is a medicine-engineering collaboration that aims to empower people in Japan. These characteristics enable us to offer a number of diverse subjects to students, according to their background and motivation.

Associate Professor

FUJINO Haruo

Assistant Professor

YAMAMOTO Tomoka

Growing attention to childhood problems and developmental disabilities has increased the need for support for children with disabilities or behavioral issues, their caregivers, and other family members. Learning and research supporting children and their caregivers is an urgent priority in society. Recently, understanding the characteristics of caregivers has been emphasized to support a whole family. Therefore, it is crucial to develop new approaches to improve children and family’s adjustment and their surrounding social environments (e.g., school).
We aim to develop effective support programs for developmental disabilities (e.g., social skills training: SST) and other parenting issues, to elucidate the factors that determine the effectiveness of the psychosocial support, and to evaluate assessment methods for interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and parents.

Professor

KATAYAMA Taiichi

Professor

SATO Makoto

Associate Professor (Lecturer)

OKA Yuichirou

Associate Professor (Lecturer)

YOSHIMURA Takeshi

Assistant Professor

MIYOSHI Ko

Assistant Professor

FUJIWARA Yuuki

(Prof. Katayama) In current genetic research, vulnerability factors related to the risk of mental disease have been frequently reported, as is the case with other organic diseases. Our current research focuses on vulnerability genes for major childhood and adolescent mental diseases, including developmental disorders, childhood schizophrenia, and childhood mood disorders. The role of these vulnerability factors and their influence on the development of the brain and mind will be investigated using anatomical, biochemical, and molecular biological methods to elucidate the mechanisms underlying brain development, developmental disorders, and childhood and adolescent psychological diseases at the molecular level. Through such research, we can develop a scientific understanding of the development of the brain and mind, enabling the identification of preventive measures as well as providing countermeasures for various emotional problems including developmental disorders in children.
(Assoc. Prof. Oka ) How does the brain work? Researchers have been struggling with this simple but profound question for a century. Because of its extreme complexity (there are approximately 86 billion neurons in the human brain!), it is crucial to sculpt essential neural circuits as well as revealing their key operating principles. Since brain architecture, including neural circuits, is highly organized, one way to address this question is to investigate the “tabula rasa” state of early brain function, and to explore brain development processes in depth. We are currently studying how the brain, particularly the neocortex, develops at both the cellular and molecular levels

Associate Professor

SHIMONO Kuriko

Assistant Professor

HIRATA Ikuko

As more children are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders than ever before, the social impact of these conditions is increasing. However, the causes and pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders are diverse. In the past two or three decades, owing to the advancement of medical techniques, successful life-saving treatment rates have improved to a surprising extent among premature infants and young children. As a　consequence, acquired brain damage in infancy, such as periventricular leukomalacia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), associated with congenital heart disease, acute encephalitis by infection, brain infarction, brain injury and epilepsy account for a significant proportion of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
In this course, we study the characteristic findings who have neurodevelopmental disorders in children using neuroimaging (MRI), physiological techniques (MEG, PET), and cognitive developmental assessment. We explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between acquired brain damage and neurodevelopmental disorders, and seek to develop new treatment approaches.

Professor

KIMURA Ryo

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in clinical visits for diagnosis and support related to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, clinical tests are not yet well-established, and diagnosis and treatment primarily rely on interviews, which emphasizes the urgent need for objective biological markers (biomarkers). Meanwhile, research utilizing sequencing technologies has identified numerous genes associated with these disorders, especially in Western countries, leading to ongoing efforts to use this genetic information to assist in diagnosis.
Our research focuses on combining this rapidly advancing genetic information with functional analysis to discover biomarkers and understand the pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Specifically, we conduct studies using clinical samples and engage in functional analysis research using zebrafish. Our work also includes extensive collaborative research on Williams Syndrome, a rare condition characterized by high sociability, which contrasts with ASD. By identifying factors that affect phenotypes, we aim to improve treatments and support, working with researchers and families both domestically and internationally.

Associate Professor

FUJITA Kyota

Associate Professor

TSUJI Chiharu

Developmental disorders affecting learning, social functioning and behavior are major health issues in contemporary societies. We regard these disorders as brain dysfunctions, investigating their underlying mechanisms and providing education about healthy brain development and examining policy- and therapy-based approaches to overcoming dysfunction. As a strategy for producing effective research results, we are conducting comprehensive research screening to identify nerve development-related genes in drosophila using RNA interference (RNAi) technology which is one of the most significant biological discoveries of the past several years. The discovered genes, which are highly homologous to human genes, are next studied in mammalian model animals, such as mice, to determine their molecular function in mammals. Findings from these animal model studies are finally applied to human studies using blood or postmortem brain samples. We are conducting research to identify genes associated with developmental disorders and specify biological molecules to improve learning, social functioning and behavior.

We are preparing genetically manipulated mice enabling us to modify the genes associated with developmental disorders affecting learning, social functioning and behavior, and observe behaviors related to affection in mice. The relationships between genes and abnormal affection-related behaviors are being investigated. We are developing a new in vivo brain functional imaging probe for the visualization of neurochemical and neuropathological changes in patients with autism. Using in vivo radioactive molecular imaging technology, we are developing not only an early method for diagnosis of autism, but are also elucidating the molecular mechanisms operating in the nervous systems of patients with autism.

Finally, we are using these technologies, including gene manipulation and molecular imaging technology, for the development of therapeutic drug treatments for autism.

Professor

KOBAYASHI Hiroaki

Professor

ARAKI Yukiko

Professor

YOSHIMURA Yuko

Assistant　Professor

TANAKA Sanae

Parent-child communication, teacher-student communication, and communication among peers involves the capacity to understand others’ minds, world knowledge, language systems, cognition, and affect, among other abilities. These forms of communication provide important opportunities for children to learn how to communicate, as well as to understand socio-cultural conventions and the meaning of social events, and to build skills to develop robust mutual understanding and cooperation with others. Children with developmental disorders often have difficulty in one or more of the communication-related abilities described above, increasing the likelihood of failure in social learning in the family, school, and community. Such difficulties can disturb social adaptation and personality development. We aim to clarify how communication failures occur in these children and develop interventions to ameliorate these impairments.

Associate Professor

IKEDA Takashi

Assistant Professor

HASEGAWA Chiaki

We are able to lead daily lives through the successful coordination of each brain function, including perception, language, movement, attention, memory, and emotion. The developmental trajectories of these brain functions need to be clarified, as our understanding is limited to fragments and analogies from findings with adults due to technical difficulties. In this research area, we aim to elucidate the characteristics of the brain during typical developmental processes and the mechanisms of developmental disorders by combining research methods such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), eye movement and heart rate monitoring with behavioral observation and questionnaires. We will also develop new methods that go beyond existing measurement techniques.

Professor

YOKOYAMA Shigeru

Associate Professor

HORIKE Shin-ichi

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is characterized by impaired motor skills including prominent clumsiness, awkward crawling and unbalanced locomotion. Importantly, DCD frequently overlaps with autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disability (LD). This program aims at a comprehensive understanding of motor and postural control through studying anatomical, physiological and genetic aspects of neuroscience. Furthermore, we attempt to elucidate the pathophysiology of DCD by multidisciplinary approach using biochemical, cell biological, genetic and behavioral techniques.

Professor

KIKUCHI Mitsuru

Associate Professor

HIROSAWA Tetsu

Assistant Professor

UEDA Minehisa

We aim to develop human resources enabling innovative research for elucidating the processes underlying the interactions between humans and decision making from the perspective of both neuroscience and human social sciences, including the integration of philosophy, psychology, and sociology. We focus on elucidating the relationships between biological and social factors which contribute to developmental disorders like autism, the interactions between the autistic and non-autistic brain, the relationship between developmental disorders mediated by individual differences of brain function and society, issues involving rationality-irrationality in human social behavior, the relationship between socioeconomic behavior and the brain, the impact of medicine on the brain, and the relationship between enhancement of brain function and society. We also aim to elucidate the differences between the fully developed brain in adults and the developing brain in children, based on these themes. In this field, studies are conducted based on close coordination with the Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Human Communication Science & Intervention, and Higher Brain Functions & Autism Research in Kanazawa at the United Graduate School of Child Development.

Professor

OUCHI Yasuomi

Professor

YAMASUE Hidenori

Associate Professor（Lectuer）

IWABUCHI Toshiki

Assistant Professor

YOKOKURA Masamichi

Assistant Professor

HARADA Taeko

Assistant Professor

SUMIYA Motofumi

Assistant Professor

HIRAISHI Hirotoshi

Visiting Associate Professor

WAKUSAWA Keisuke

In vivo neuroimaging techniques, e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), allow us to objectively and non-invasively investigate morphology and function of the brain. These techniques are now pervasively used for clinical diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic effects. In Neuroimaging, students will learn basic knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and how to collect, analyze, and interpret neuroimaging data. Then, they will also learn the utility of various neuroimaging techniques for studying neurodevelopmental disorders and children’s mental development.

Professor

TSUCHIYA Kenji

Professor

SENJU Atsushi

Professor

TAKAGAI Shu

Assistant Professor

OKUMURA Akemi

Assistant Professor

SUMIYA Motofumi

Visiting Professor

TSUJII Masatsugu

Visiting Professor

KURODA Miho

Visiting Associate Professor

TAKAHASHI Nagahide

In research on human development and behavior, it is important to have a variety of measures for accurately understanding phenomena. Without suitable measures, objective measurement, appropriate sampling, and logical interpretation of the data would not be possible. This understanding can be achieved by learning about epidemiology and biostatistics. Specific topics covered in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics course include research design, data interpretation, and statistical analysis methods.

Associate Professor (Lecturer)

NISHIMURA Tomoko

Associate Professor（Lectuer）

Md. Shafiur Rahman

Visiting Professor

KUWABARA Hitoshi

In research on human development and behavior, it is important to have a variety of measures for accurately understanding phenomena. Without suitable measures, objective measurement, appropriate sampling, and logical interpretation of the data would not be possible. This understanding can be achieved by learning about epidemiology and biostatistics. Specific topics covered in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics course include research design, data interpretation, and statistical analysis methods. Additional topics include the analysis of gene-environment interactions involving state-of-art knowledge regarding genomic analyses.

Visiting Professor

ITO Emi

Professor

OSHIMA Fumiyo

Associate Professor（Lectuer）

NUMATA Noriko

Assistant Professor

SEKI Yoichi

Assistant Professor

TAGUCHI Kayoko

Assistant Professor

KATO Naoko

Developmental disorders, anxiety and depression problems in children are known to become chronic and persist into adolescence and adulthood. The aim of this course is to learn cognitive-behavioural therapy skills that are effective in environmental adjustment and treatment of conditions such as developmental disorders (autistic spectrum disorder and ADHD), anxiety (panic disorder, social anxiety, etc.), obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD, depression, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. In addition, they will also learn assessment testing skills for delivering that psychotherapy.

Professor

SHIMIZU Eiji

Professor

SUGITA Katsuo

Professor

HAMADA Hiromichi

Professor

HANAZAWA Hisashi

Professor

OHTANI Toshiyuki

Professor

HORI Seiichiro

Associate Professor (Lecturer)

URAO Yuko

Advanced Course for Mental Health Support
To develop effective psychosocial support for children and adolescents, we have conducted clinical trials based on cognitive behavior therapy from the viewpoint of early interventions for mental health problems including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, eating disorder and developmental disorders.
Students will collect and review previous research with critical appraisal, as well as designing, organizing and conducting research projects.

Professor

HIRANO Yoshiyuki

Visiting Professor

OBATA Takayuki

Associate Professor (Lecturer)

MATSUZAWA Daisuke

Assistant Professor

HIROSE Motohisa

Assistant Professor

OTA Junko

Assistant Professor

BHUSAL CHHATKULI RITU

Assistant Professor

YOSHIDA Tokiko

Assistant Professor

KUNOU Masaru

We conduct research using non-invasive brain imaging such as MRI, biosamples, neuropsychological tests, and questionnaires to understand pathophysiology and treatment mechanisms in psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, etc.), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, etc.

Associate Professor

MIZUNO Yoshifumi

Assistant Professor

HAMATANI Sayo

Assistant Professor

YAMASHITA Masatoshi

Assistant Professor

Qiulu Shou

Focusing especially on structural and functional MRI studies of the brain, we aim to elucidate brain mechanisms in children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, we will look for useful biomarkers in clinical settings, based on the biological mechanisms. We are also involved in research to elucidate the effects of trauma and the nurturing environment on the neural basis of neurodevelopmental disorders, and to establish novel support for neurodevelopmental disorders.
In order to carry out the above-mentioned research, advanced knowledge and skills are required in a wide range of fields such as developmental pediatrics, psychiatry, radiology, psychology, neuroscience, informatics, and pedagogy. Therefore, we are actively promoting collaboration with researchers from various fields and backgrounds, and with other research institutes, not only within the University of Fukui but also overseas.

Professor

TOMODA Akemi

Associate Professor

FUJISAWA Takashi

In recent years, the topic of neurodevelopmental disorders and child maltreatment as an issue facing Japanese society has gained considerable attention with regard to the field of medicine and educations and also in scenarios that relate to childcare. Recent studies reveal that maltreatment during childhood can cause abnormal brain development and have a negative impact later in life. We will introduce the mechanisms of maltreatment-related brain damage or adaptation with consideration of how and when child maltreatment or ICT can have impact on the brain development.
Achievement will be evaluated according to the following criteria. 1) Proposal of appropriate research projects on the basis of understanding the background on the latest molecular biogenetic research. 2) Understanding how to investigate human brain development and psychomotor development. 3) Logical/proper experimental design that identifies degradation in cortical development induced by emotional stress and trauma. 4) Novel findings obtained by analytical approaches that can contribute to a better understanding of the selected research theme.

Professor

MATSUZAKI Hideo

Assistant Professor

Xie Min-Jue

Assistant Professor

KUNIISHI Hiroshi

We have been actively involved on research aimed at understanding the development of social brain functions at the molecular, cellular and behavioral levels. This course will present fundamental principles of social neuroscience focusing on developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via understanding of molecular and behavioral mechanism in brain development. In this course, students can learn the followings, (1) Exploratory research on therapeutic targets applicable to ASD medicine (Based on blood samples and brain imaging findings obtained from ASD patients, students will search for molecules expressed specifically in subjects with ASD and study medical applications), and (2) ASD animal model research (Using animals model that represent the clinical symptoms of ASD, students will engage in pathophysiology research to elucidate the mechanism underlying specific energy metabolism or synaptic transmission in ASD).